Season and smells of spice...and color

Season of Ristras, #watercolor, 5 x 7

Every region has traditions and icons for special seasons...that's the nature of humans deep in touch with their homelands.
In New Mexico, it's the season of red chili ristras, spice of tastes and colors.  For me, nothing much captures my attention as they do, hanging against  multi-hued colors of adobe, turquoise doors and windows...along with the smell of pinon fires crackling in a fireplace, accented with fresh snowfall against deep blue skies. 
I'm a long way from New Mexico in miles and years, but not in memories and enchantment that seem to grow closer in the passing years.
It's a blustery, drab day outside my window as I paint, but thinking about those colors my life with the real spice of this season.

Eleven days 'till Christmas--Adobe thoughts

Adobe sanctuary, 5 by 7 watercolor, card

Adobe, handmade of earth and straw, foot-thick or more walls, deep windows, stout wooden vigas supporting a flat roof, the earth reflecting the sky and sun, multicolored through the day, cool in the day, warn and snug in the night and winter, shutting out wind and noise and cold. 
A corner fireplace with pinon wood crackling away. Earthen sanctuary from turmoil and the plastic,  changing world. The odors and feelings of who we are...from dust we came, to dust we will return, and in between, comfort and peace fitting the season called Christmas.